Yiwen Qian shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yiwen, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was during a recent dance performance at a MediaLab–hosted Halloween RPD event in Times Square, New York. We were surrounded by dance lovers from all backgrounds, and the energy in the crowd was incredible. There was just so much excitement, support, and genuine love for movement. Dancing always helps me release stress and reconnect with myself, but sharing that moment with my community and feeling the crowd’s encouragement made it unforgettable. It reminded me how powerful it is to be fully present and lifted up by people who share the same passion.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Yiwen Qian, a New York based producer. I focus on creating films, music videos, and visual projects that explore personal experiences, identity, and human connection. What I love most about producing is the balance between creativity and collaboration, bringing together diverse talents to craft stories that truly resonate with audiences. At core, I’m drawn to projects that challenge perceptions and foster meaningful connections.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people break most easily when trust breaks. In the Film and TV industry, where everything depends on teamwork, I’ve seen how quickly miscommunication or a lack of understanding can impact a project. What restores those bonds is rebuilding trust through honesty, clarity, and genuine respect. As a producer, I’ve learned that trust is the foundation of every strong collaboration and the key to creating work that truly brings people together.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss the feeling of creating purely for the sake of curiosity, without deadlines or expectations. Before producing became my career, I had moments where I could explore ideas just because they excited me, not because they needed to be delivered or managed. I still find ways to reconnect with that feeling, especially through dance or personal creative moments, but I do miss that innocent sense of discovery. It’s something I’m always trying to protect and bring back into my work.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is being present, listening, and showing up for the people I care about. They’d probably also say I’m driven by purpose, that I care about creating meaningful work and staying true to the things that inspire me. Whether it’s in my personal life or at work, they know I value honesty, collaboration, and the people who share that same passion.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m dancing. It’s the one space where deadlines, stress, and the constant noise of work fades away. When I’m moving, I feel fully present and in control of both my body and my mind. I also find peace in dancing with people I’ve grown alongside. The shared energy, support, and sense of belonging always centers me. It’s a reminder of who I am outside of the industry and a way for me to reconnect with myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiwenq530/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiwen-qian-05240b238/
Image Credits
– Official Visualizer stills FIFI ZHANG “Chasing the Moon (feat. tomcbumpz)”
– Official Visualizer stills FIFI ZHANG “WHERE U R (angel with no feathers)”
– Fashion Film stills “INANNA” – directed by Cecilia Qingyu Cheng
– Short Film stills “THE AMERICAN” – directed by Bryan Yanbing Lee
– Short Film stills “Vis-à-Vis” – directed by Mamadou Yattassaye
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
